Glaser and Pierson Will Compete for Rochester Senate Seat

Candidates are vying for a vacant seat that could decide the power balance at the Minnesota state Capitol.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing the silhouette of the Minnesota State Capitol dome, evoking the gravity of state senate power. — Candidates Simon Glaser and Nels Pierson are set to compete in November 2026 for the Minnesota state Senate seat currently held by Carla Nelson. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In November 2026, voters in Rochester will head to the polls to select a state senator between DFL candidate Simon Glaser and Republican challenger Nels Pierson. The race seeks to fill the seat vacated by outgoing Sen. Carla Nelson.

Why it matters

The outcome of this election is critical as both parties aim to secure a majority in the state Senate. Local voters are focused on key issues including the cost of living and concerns regarding government fraud.

Campaign finance filings show $106,000 has already been spent on local mailers and advertisements. This total is expected to grow as the November 2026 election approaches.

The players

Simon Glaser

He is a high school English teacher and the DFL candidate for the state Senate.

Nels Pierson

He is a former Republican state representative who served eight years at the Minnesota Capitol.

Carla Nelson

She is the outgoing state senator whose seat is currently being contested by Glaser and Pierson.

The details

Candidates are currently conducting door-to-door outreach to connect with residents in a district shaped by recent population growth tied to the Mayo Clinic expansion. Nels Pierson brings experience from his eight years as a state representative, while Simon Glaser is campaigning as an educator.

The election is scheduled to take place in November 2026.

Political Context

Opponents often argue that local races like this one should focus on immediate community infrastructure rather than the statewide power dynamics of the Minnesota Senate partisan control threshold. Critics of the current candidates frequently raise concerns about how much influence party leadership should have on local legislative agendas.

The election result will determine which party holds legislative power in St. Paul, directly impacting state-level policy decisions that affect local tax rates and funding. Residents should monitor candidate platforms to understand how each potential senator will address the rising cost of living in Rochester.

The takeaway

Voters should evaluate how the candidates' different professional backgrounds will influence their approach to representing the interests of the Rochester community. Tracking campaign finance growth can also provide insight into which issues are being prioritized by party organizations in the final weeks.